Turning on the Christmas lights seems like a pleasant, community-minded thing to do for a constituency MP, but Heidi Allen got more than she bargained for when she arrived in Cambourne to do the honours.

The South Cambridgeshire Tory MP was sawn-in half by entertainer JezO in front of the packed crowd at the switch-on ceremony.

Tory MP Heidi Allen wasn't expecting this when she agreed to switch on the Cambourne Christmas lights

Organised through the tireless work of the voluntary Light Up Cambourne group, the antics of Jez’O were part of a programme of entertainment that also included live music, a Santa’s grotto, and food and drink,

The MP certainly proved a good sport when entertainer JezO asked her: “Do you ever lie?”

With his victim nervously smiling in position, JezO took out a power tool that he used to saw through wood, before putting the MP’s legs in stocks and turning his attention to her.

After surviving the ordeal, the MP joined schoolgirls Lola Drury and Sienna Ogilvie, who won the chance to push the plunger in an art competition, switching on the lights adorning trees in the centre of the village.

JezO and South Cambridgeshire MP Heidi Allen with the young winners of the art competition who helped turn on Cambourne's Christmas lights. Picture: Joe Rey Photography

The November 25 switch-on featured live music from Ffion Rebecca and Flashback Photograph, free mince pies and mulled wine, a hog roast from Green’s Coffee & Co and pizza from 400 Pizzeria.

The event was supported by the parish council and aided by the air cadets.

Heidi Allen MP and two schoolgirls turn on the Christmas lights in Cambourne

Tim Willett, chairman of Light Up Cambourne, said: “As Cambourne continues to grow, so does our Christmas lights switch-on event. The committee were thrilled with the turnout and the many compliments we’ve received about this year’s display. We’d like to thank all our volunteers and local businesses.”